IN 2026
FROM FIREFIGHT
TO FUTURE
OPERATING RETAIL IN THE AGE OF AI
SALES & MONETIZATION
AI brings growth to fruition: more relevant, faster, more profitable – along the entire customer journey.
- Omnichannel & Personalization
- Retail Media & Data Ads
- Search, Merchandising & Category
- Pricing & Promotion Control
- Service, Loyalty & Commitment
OPERATIONS & RESILIENCE
Out of the firefight: AI stabilizes availability, reduces costs and increases resilience – from the store to the supply chain.
- Demand, Supply & Replenishment
- Store Ops & Workforce Management
- Supply Chain Execution
- Shrink, Loss & Fraud
- Returns & Reverse Logistics
DATA, PLATFORM & TRUST
To enable AI to scale: clean data, clear responsibilities and secure governance – from pilot to production operation.
- Omnichannel & Personalization
- Retail Media & Data Ads
- AR, VR & Virtual Shopping
- Seamless Payment & Checkout
- Smart Stores & IoT
RETAIL NXT 2026 Program
Look forward to renowned experts and thought leaders from retail, technology, and research. Our speakers will share their experiences, present innovative ideas, and offer valuable insights into the future of the industry. Be inspired and benefit from the knowledge of leading figures in the retail world.
- 09:30
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- 10:30 p.m.
- Main Stage
RETAIL NXT kicks off with a compact opening session that immediately focuses on the future: How is AI changing the retail world? How can sustainability and profitability be intelligently combined? And how...
- 10:30
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- 11:00 p.m.
- 11:00
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- 11:30 p.m.
- Main Stage
With the opening of its first flagship stores, flaconi has expanded its presence to include a brick-and-mortar sales channel. In this session, the responsible C-level executives will share their perspectives on the past two years...
- 11:00
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- 11:30 p.m.
- Xpo Stage
A case study from our partner Codecentric: Full shelves don't necessarily mean reliable inventory levels. Learn how AI-powered risk scoring can help identify weaknesses in inventory processes and assess risks...
- 11:00
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- 12:00 p.m.
- Masterclass A
The retail sector is facing a radical redefinition: It's no longer just about digitalization, but about genuine, operational intelligence. In this introductory/masterclass, Sandra Schwinn, Tatjana Rietz, and Andreas Marek will demonstrate...
- 11:00
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- 12:00 p.m.
- Masterclass C
The retail sector is under increasing pressure to transform: rising customer expectations along the customer journey, margin and cost pressures, volatile demand, and high complexity between headquarters and branches, as well as in the interaction with partners and...
- 11:00
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- 12:00 p.m.
- Masterclass B
While retail companies invest millions in customer experiences and e-commerce, one group is often left behind: employees in stores, warehouses, and field service – even though they are the ones who have daily impact on customer satisfaction, efficiency, and brand image...
- 11:30
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- 12:00 p.m.
- Main Stage
In his keynote address, Rocco Gehring demonstrates the role of data in innovation, competitiveness, and digital sovereignty. He highlights how companies can leverage data along the entire value chain –...
- 12:00
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- 13:00 p.m.
- 13:00
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- 14:00 p.m.
- Masterclass B
A masterclass from our partner Capgemini: Generative AI is transforming software development at a breathtaking pace – and with it, the entire IT organization. What does this mean specifically for governance, architecture, and sourcing strategies? We...
- 13:00
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- 14:00 p.m.
- Masterclass A
In the interview, Marc Rauscher explains how hagebau is strategically positioned as a cooperative group, what challenges are currently shaping the retail sector, and how centralized management and decentralized strength can be combined. A particular...
- 13:00
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- 13:30 p.m.
- Main Stage
What retail trends are emerging worldwide — and which of them will change German retail? International perspectives, concrete examples and controversial discussions.
...- 13:00
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- 14:00 p.m.
- Masterclass D
Agentic AI is currently a hot topic in the retail sector – but few sessions demonstrate how the technology actually works and bridges the gap between strategy and operational implementation. In...
- 13:00
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- 14:00 p.m.
- Masterclass C
Personalized customer experiences are considered one of the most important success factors in modern retail. Consumer expectations are constantly rising: relevance, convenience, and a personal touch are expected across all channels...
- 13:30
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- 14:00 p.m.
- Main Stage
- 13:30
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- 14:00 p.m.
- Xpo Stage
In this session, we will use our own case study to demonstrate how Steinbach is transforming its seasonal customer service in the B2B and B2C sectors step by step from reactive ticket processing to an AI-supported, scalable service process...
- 14:00
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- 14:30 p.m.
- Main Stage
How can order management become a strategic lever for modern commerce? In this joint session, Deichmann and fulfillmenttools will provide insights into the transformation of an established commerce landscape into a modern one...
- 14:00
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- 14:30 p.m.
- Masterclass B
Many retailers are caught in operational firefighting: legacy systems ensure business continuity but hinder speed and real-time capability. At the same time, transformation must not jeopardize ongoing business. This C-level roundtable...
- 14:00
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- 14:30 p.m.
- Xpo Stage
Instead of searching for individual recipes, Agentic AI enables a completely new way of cooking: inspiring, personalized, and context-aware. Using the Cookidoo Assistant as an example, we show how a simple question...
- 14:30
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- 14:45 p.m.
- 14:45
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- 15:15 p.m.
- Main Stage
Agentic commerce could fundamentally change the rules of the game. When AI agents search for, evaluate, and buy products, power dynamics shift along the customer journey. What role do brand, price, trust, and... play?
- 14:45
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- 15:45 p.m.
- Masterclass A
Today's customers expect instant, intelligent, and personalized interactions – across voice, chat, and digital service channels. At the same time, businesses face the challenge of delivering modern AI experiences without losing control over their data...
- 14:45
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- 15:45 p.m.
- Masterclass B
The biggest obstacle to corporate innovation is trying to develop everything in-house. However, in the fiercely competitive retail sector, success goes to those who evaluate and adopt cutting-edge technologies the fastest. This masterclass shows how...
- 14:45
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- 15:15 p.m.
- Xpo Stage
Your customers are already actively using your merchant app – but are they also using it to pay? Often, the fear of high implementation costs simply outweighs the desire to become independent of expensive third-party providers...
- 15:15
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- 15:45 p.m.
- Main Stage
A contribution from Zebra Technologies: The connected team of the future: How does technology transform collaboration in the store? In our panel, we'll discuss how intelligent communication and smart task management make teams more agile...
- 15:45
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- 16:15 p.m.
- Main Stage
Between heritage and innovation: Martin Winkler shows how FALKE continuously develops a strong traditional brand, opens up new opportunities and understands transformation as a permanent leadership task.
...
- 15:45
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- 16:15 p.m.
- Masterclass B
toom stands for DIY enthusiasts who don't do things halfway – projects should succeed, and for that, the right product must be available, whether ordered online or picked up in-store. But...
- 15:45
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- 16:15 p.m.
- Xpo Stage
The retail sector is under immense pressure to change: rising personnel costs, a shortage of skilled workers, volatile customer traffic, and simultaneously higher employee expectations for flexibility and participation. Together, toom and plano demonstrate how modern workforce management...
- 16:45
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- 17:45 p.m.
- Masterclass A
By bringing payment control into your own app, you also assume a new strategic responsibility. But how exactly do you protect the sensitive interfaces in the background without compromising the smooth customer experience?
- 16:45
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- 17:45 p.m.
- Masterclass B
Workforce management is often still understood today as simply personnel deployment planning. In reality, however, it increasingly determines how flexibly, economically, and effectively companies can operate in their day-to-day business. This is because fluctuating demand...
- 16:45
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- 17:15 p.m.
- Xpo Stage
In this best practice example, Zebra Technologies demonstrates how retailers can take their teams to the next level with the right tools. Experience the synergy between Workcloud Sync and the WS301 wearable...
- 16:45
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- 17:45 p.m.
- Masterclass C
Customers are increasingly using AI to seek advice and make purchasing decisions – both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Practical examples demonstrate how AI-supported customer advice can be integrated...
- 16:45
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- 17:45 p.m.
- Masterclass D
Nearly half of German consumers say social media influences their purchasing decisions. Only 14 percent trust integrated social commerce checkouts. Consumers now discover products across increasingly fragmented digital journeys, but...
- 17:15
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- 17:45 p.m.
- Main Stage
Artificial intelligence is increasingly evolving from individual use cases to a strategic transformation driver. In this session, Frank Postel, CTO of Breuninger, provides insights into the company's journey from its initial AI initiatives...
- 17:45
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- 18:15 p.m.
- Main Stage
What characterizes successful leadership today? How do brands evolve in an increasingly digital world? And what changes will shape business and society in the coming years? A personal conversation...
- 18:15
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- 18:20 p.m.
- Main Stage
- 18:20
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- 19:00 p.m.
- Main Stage
Fast. Bold. Exciting. At the Newcomer Battle, innovative retail tech startups pitch their solutions live on the main stage – in just 5 minutes. The audience votes directly via app and chooses...
- 19:00
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- 22:30 p.m.
Experience the spectacular RETAIL NXT networking event! As promised, a special act awaits you. Enjoy delicious food and refreshing drinks as we wind down the evening in a relaxed atmosphere. Take advantage of...
- 07:00
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- 08:00 p.m.
Fresh air, relaxed conversation, and a bit of exercise: Early risers from the retail sector meet for a morning run, enjoying plenty of good vibes. Meeting point: 7:00 a.m. in front of...
- 08:00
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- 08:45 p.m.
Morning Yoga. Take a deep breath before the day really gets underway: Our morning yoga session ensures a clear mind, relaxed shoulders, and the right energy for day two. For all levels...
- 09:30
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- 09:45 p.m.
- Main Stage
Kick off day two of the RETAIL NXT Conference. Be inspired by the outstanding presentations and discussions from the previous day and look forward to more top-notch sessions, innovative...
- 09:45
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- 10:15 p.m.
- Main Stage
After a day full of discussions, perspectives, and practical examples, this keynote looks ahead. Which developments are gaining momentum? Which topics will shape the retail sector in the coming years?...
- 10:15
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- 10:45 p.m.
- Masterclass A
How exactly does AI change the daily work routine in retail? In the "Minerva" project, Thalia demonstrates how AI can support employees in accessing knowledge more quickly, making processes more efficient, and more...
- 10:15
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- 10:45 p.m.
- Main Stage
Increasing regulatory requirements, complex supply chains, and growing customer expectations are presenting new challenges for the retail sector. At the same time, digital technologies are opening up new opportunities to achieve sustainability goals more efficiently. Whether in...
- 10:15
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- 10:45 p.m.
- Masterclass B
- 10:15
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- 10:45 p.m.
- Masterclass C
How is autonomous AI changing everyday life in retail? ROSSMANN relies on ServiceNow as its central AI platform, and Agentic workflows are running productively in its core business. Adrian Ewecker and Alexander Roj will take you along...
- 10:15
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- 10:45 p.m.
- Masterclass D
In this session, we will use our own case study to demonstrate how we transformed brick-and-mortar retail step by step from a "black box" to data-driven, measurable marketing and sales processes. During...
- 10:45
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- 11:15 p.m.
- 11:15
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- 12:15 p.m.
- Masterclass B
Brick-and-mortar retailers face the challenge of reconciling rising customer expectations and complex store technologies with high sales pressure and a persistent shortage of skilled workers on the sales floor. We are convinced that retailers...
- 11:15
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- 11:45 p.m.
- Xpo Stage
Customers expect pricing to be transparent and consistent across all retail touchpoints – from Customer APPs to electronic shelf labels (ESL) and price tags to promotions and checkout. We want...
- 11:15
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- 12:45 p.m.
- Masterclass D
Artificial intelligence has been developing rapidly for several years – but the decisive success factor lies not only in the technology itself, but in its sustainable integration within the company. Because true AI transformation...
- 11:15
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- 11:45 p.m.
- Main Stage
Personalization, omnichannel communication, and increasing content demands are challenging retailers. Learn how modern AI technologies can help them produce content faster, adhere to brand guidelines, and deliver consistent customer experiences across all channels.
- 11:45
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- 12:15 p.m.
- Main Stage
Artificial intelligence only unfolds its true value when it is used by many people. IKEA offers insights into the journey from initial pilot projects to the widespread use of AI and...
- 12:15
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- 13:15 p.m.
- 13:15
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- 13:45 p.m.
- Main Stage
Which technologies will truly transform retail in the coming years – and which will disappear from the agenda? The Retail Tech Radar 2026 provides exclusive insights into current developments,...
- 13:45
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- 14:15 p.m.
- Main Stage
The introduction of AI is no longer solely a question of technology. Crucially, companies must learn how to win over their employees to the change, provide guidance, and sustainably embed new ways of working. The panel will discuss which...
- 14:15
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- 14:45 p.m.
- Xpo Stage
Enso is the Japanese word for "circle." When attempting to draw a circle, it is never perfect – a popular exercise among Zen monks who try again and again.
- 14:15
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- 14:45 p.m.
- Main Stage
From autonomous robots to intelligent assistance systems: Physical AI brings artificial intelligence from the digital world into the physical reality of retail. In this fireside chat, two experts discuss how...
- 14:15
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- 14:45 p.m.
- Main Stage
With the increasing interconnectedness of online and offline channels, the opportunities for fraud also grow. From account takeovers and payment fraud to organized shoplifting, retailers face the challenge of managing risks...
- 14:45
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- 15:15 p.m.
- Main Stage
What developments are shaping the retail sector today? What challenges are currently facing executives? And what experiences have proven particularly valuable over the course of a successful career? A personal conversation with Sandra...
- 15:15
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- 15:30 p.m.
- Main Stage